American · Lansing, Michigan · Born 10 June 1959American basketball forward who won the 1979 NCAA Championship with Michigan State and played six seasons in the NBA from 1981-1987.
Jay Fletcher Vincent was born on 10 June 1959 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and attended Eastern High School in Lansing before starring at Michigan State University, where he played alongside Magic Johnson and Greg Kelser on the Spartans' 1979 national championship team under coach Jud Heathcote. Vincent was selected in the second round of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, and earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honours in his debut season, developing into a reliable scoring forward across five seasons in Dallas. Vincent went on to play for the Washington Bullets, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers, finishing his NBA career in 1990 with over 8,700 career points, before extending his playing career in Italy for four more seasons. Vincent's younger brother, Sam Vincent, followed him to Michigan State and went on to win an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986, making the Vincents one of Michigan State's most accomplished basketball families. Jay's No. 31 has been retired by the Spartans in recognition of his contributions to the program.
Solid NBA forward and Michigan State championship contributor
How They Played
Versatile forward with good scoring ability and rebounding
Lasting Impact
Reliable NBA journeyman who contributed consistently across multiple teams
Career Honours
- Michigan State champion (1979)
- All-Rookie consideration
- NBA journeyman contributor
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Mavericks | 1981–1986 | 382 |
| Washington Bullets | 1986–1987 | 44 |
| Denver Nuggets | 1987–1990 | 164 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 1990–1991 | 26 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 1991–1992 | 35 |
American Athletes